CANADA. The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) has named the winners of this year’s Gold Standard Awards at the annual FDFA Convention in Toronto.
The organisation represents the Canadian land border duty free sector and plays a crucial role in promoting the business of its 32 member stores.
For more than 20 years, the FDFA has selected winners for the 13 Gold Standards Awards to highlight best practice at land border duty free shops.
From products to innovative practices, the awards have been designed to recognise outstanding FDFA member stores, owners, employees and suppliers.
Frontier Duty Free Association Executive Director Barbara Barrett said: “This year’s Gold Standard Awards are a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and excellence within our industry.
“The winners exemplify the high standards and innovative spirit that FDFA continually strives to promote among its members. Their achievements are not only a win for the duty-free sector but also a significant contribution to enhancing Canada’s standing in the global tourism market.
“We are deeply thankful to our sponsors and the panel of judges for their support and dedication to our awards programme.
“Their involvement is essential in upholding the high standards of the FDFA. As we celebrate these achievements, we also look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in the duty-free industry.”
The 2023 FDFA Gold Standards Awards Winners
Outstanding Duty Free Employee of the Year
Sponsor: Retail Council of Canada
Yvonne Graham, Altan Duty Free Shops
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year Jewellery/Watches/Handbags/Accessories
Sponsor: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Swatch Group Canada
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year Confectionary/Food/Souvenirs
Sponsor: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Cleary’s Maple Creme Cookies (Distribution Fontaine)
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year Fragrance/Cosmetics
Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream (Distribution Fontaine)
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year Spirits/Beer/Wine/Tobacco
Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Finalists: Jameson Triple Triple (Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Americas)
Best Marketing/Merchandising Award
Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Duty Free Shop; Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Supplier of the Year Category A
Northern Souvenirs
Supplier of the Year Category B
Andrew Peller Limited
Supplier Of the Year Distributor/Agent
Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Platinum Award Category A
Sponsored by: Motor Coach Canada
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Platinum Award Category B
Sponsored by: Motor Coach Canada
Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop
Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year
Aer Rianta International (North America)
Outstanding Contributor of the Year
Chris Foster
Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
FDFA Convention Star of Show
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream (Distribution Fontaine) ✈
